Exterior rearview mirror for vehicles

ABSTRACT

The exterior rearview mirror has a mirror mounting bracket attached to the vehicle, to which bracket is attached a folding mirror head. The mirror also has, arranged in the mirror mounting bracket, a perimeter light with a lighting means, preferably an LED. In order to design the exterior rearview mirror so that heat produced by the lighting means does not have an adverse effect, the lighting means is arranged on a thermally conductive carrier, which carrier is in thermally conductive connection with the mirror mounting bracket. The heat generated by the lighting means is transmitted by the carrier to the mirror mounting bracket so that excessive heating of the perimeter light and mirror mounting bracket is avoided in a simple manner. The exterior rearview mirror is especially suitable for motor vehicles.

The invention concerns an exterior rearview mirror for vehicles, moreparticularly motor vehicles, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Exterior rearview mirrors are known in which the mirror mounting bracketis provided with a perimeter light containing at least one lightingmeans. Such lighting means develop relatively intense heat which canlead to damage to the perimeter light and/or the exterior rearviewmirror.

The object of the invention is to design an exterior rearview mirror ofthis type such that the heat generated by the lighting means has noadverse effects.

This object is attained in accordance with the invention in an exteriorrearview mirror of the generic type with the characterizing features ofclaim 1.

As a result of the inventive design, the heat generated by the lightingmeans is transmitted by the carrier to the mirror mounting bracket. Inthis way, excessive heating of the perimeter light and mirror mountingbracket is avoided.

Additional features of the invention are apparent from the other claims,the description, and the drawings.

The invention is explained in detail below on the basis of severalexample embodiments shown in the drawings. The drawings show:

FIG. 1 a perspective view in cross-section of a mirror mounting bracketof an inventive exterior rearview mirror with a perimeter light,

FIGS. 2-6 each show an additional embodiment of an inventive exteriorrearview mirror in views similar to that of FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 shows a mirror mounting bracket 1 with a cover 2 and a perimeterlight 3 of an exterior rearview mirror that is attached to a vehicle(not shown) by the mirror mounting bracket 1. Fastened to the mirrormounting bracket 1 in an articulated fashion is a mirror head (notshown) that can be swiveled from an operating position into anon-operating position adjacent to the vehicle. An area beneath theexterior rearview mirror and adjacent to the vehicle or vehicle doorscan be illuminated by means of the perimeter light 3.

The mirror mounting bracket 1 has a receptacle 4 for the light 3,preferably composed of a surrounding ridge 5. The receptacle 4 may havea round or angular cross-section. The height of the ridge 5 varies overits extent to correspond to the varying overall height of the mirrormounting bracket 1 in the vicinity of the installation space for theperimeter light 3. In the example embodiment, the receptacle 4 islocated in the vicinity of a hole 7 that accommodates a bearing pin forswivel mounting of the mirror head.

The mirror mounting bracket 1 has a support 1′, which preferably is madeof metal or rigid plastic. The support 1′ is covered with respect to theoutside by the cap-like cover 2, which has an opening 9 for an opticalwindow 10 of the light 3. In advantageous fashion, the cover 2 is madeof plastic. Said cover is held on the support 1′ by one or moreinterlocking connectors 11. The cover has a curved edge section 12 and,extending approximately parallel thereto and spaced apart from it, aninner ridge 13, the two of which define a receptacle opening 14 for afree edge 15 of the support 1′.

As lighting means, the perimeter light 3 has an LED 16, which isarranged on a printed circuit board 17, and a light housing 18 that hasthe optical window 10. The printed circuit board 17 is a flat plasticplate that contains a metal core (not shown) as a thermal conductor,preferably a metal plate having a regular outer contour. In theinstallation position, the full surface of the metal-core circuit board16 rests on the flat bottom 8 of the receptacle 4.

The light housing 18 is manufactured as a single piece with the opticalwindow 10 of a light-transmissible plastic. The housing has a circularcross-section with a surrounding edge 19, which edge is L-shaped incross-section and defines an annular groove 20 for a ring seal 21. Thefree end of the ridge 5 of the receptacle 4 of the support 1′ projectsinto the annular groove 20. In this way, the housing 18 is securedagainst rotation in the receptacle 4 in the assembled position. Theprinted circuit board 17 closes the housing 18 at the end opposite theoptical window 10.

A central section 22 of the optical window 10 projects into the housingopening 9 such that the end face 25 of the section 22 is located in theouter side of the cover 2. The housing section 22 completely fills theopening 9 and transitions into the remaining part of the housing througha shoulder 24. The end face 25 is domed outward in an arc with a largeradius of curvature over the adjoining wall 30 of the cover 2. In theassembled position of the cover 2, the optical window 10 projects intothe opening 9 of the cover 2 so that the rim 26 of the opening islocated in the shoulder 24. The light housing 18 rests against theinside of the cover 2 adjacent to the rim 26 of the opening. The heightof the light housing 18 is slightly greater than the distance betweenthe cover 2 in the vicinity of the housing and the bottom 8 of thereceptacle 4 of the support 1′. As a result, the light housing 18 ispreloaded with respect to the printed circuit board 17 in the assembledposition and with cover 2 installed, so that said circuit board rests,with preloading, against the bottom 8 of the mirror mounting bracketreceptacle 4. Since the LED 16 produces very high lumen values per watt,intense heat is developed; said heat is transmitted through the metalcore in the printed circuit board 17 directly to the support 1′ orconducted to it. In this way, the perimeter light 3 and its housing 18are protected from excessive heat or overheating.

The cover 2 is pushed over the preassembled optical window 10. Duringthis process, the cover 2 slides over the end face 25 of the opticalwindow 10 with elastic expansion until the rim 26 of the opening snapsinto the shoulder 24 of the optical window. In this way, the opticalwindow 10 is braced and held against the carrier 17. Hence additionalfastening means for the optical window 10 are unnecessary.

Due to the preloading of the light housing 18, the seal 21 is alsoelastically compressed between the ridge 5 and the housing 18, thusreliably preventing the penetration of moisture into the housing 18.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 differs from the embodiment describedabove only in that the light housing 18 has a preferably ring-shapedcavity 27 provided between the housing walls 29, 29′ and a centralmidsection 28. This midsection 28 has at its free end a recess 28′ intowhich the LED 16 projects in a form-fitting manner in the assembledlight housing 18. The optical window 10 has the central, protrudinghousing section 22, which rests in the opening 9. In contrast to theembodiment described above, the end face 25 of the central housingsection 22 is designed with a convex curvature so that it liesapproximately in a plane with the adjacent wall 30 of the cover 2. Inthis embodiment as well, the light housing 18 is made oflight-transmissible plastic.

The housing 18 has, directly adjoining the outside shoulder 24, anotheroutside shoulder 43 in which is arranged a ring seal 42. In theinstallation position, said ring seal lies with elastic deformationbetween the light housing 18 and the inner side of the cover 2, andprevents moisture and/or dirt from entering the mirror mounting bracket1 through the opening 9. The design of this embodiment is otherwise thesame as the previous example embodiment. The metal-core circuit board 17is again pressed firmly against the bottom 8 of the receptacle 4 of thesupport 1′, so the heat produced when the LED 16 is turned on isreliably conducted into the support 1′.

The embodiment in FIG. 3 corresponds to the one in FIG. 2 with the soledifference that the light housing 18 is designed without the midsection28. Together with the LED 16, the printed circuit board 17 with themetal core once again rests with its entire surface against the bottom 8of the receptacle 4 of the support 1′ under pressure. In the assembledposition, the housing 18 in FIG. 3 is loaded by the cover 2 in thedirection of the support 1′. As a result, the ring seal 21 iselastically deformed in the annular groove 20 and the circuit board 17is pressed against the bottom 8 of the receptacle 4, ensuring rapid andcomplete heat conduction and reliable sealing of the housing 18.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment corresponding to that in FIG. 3, wherein thehousing 18 has a reflector as an insert 31. It rests against the innerwall of the housing 18 and is provided with an opening 32 through whichthe LED 16 projects. The reflector 31 has a reflective surface 33, whichreflects the light emitted by the LED 16 to the optical window 10. Thereflector 31 can have various designs depending on the desired lightingeffect, for example it can take the shape of a paraboloid. The free edgeof the reflector 31 is supported on an inner shoulder 34 of the housing18, which shoulder is also present in the housings in FIGS. 2 and 3. Theinner shoulder 34 is recessed inward with respect to the outer shoulder24. The reflector 31 also rests on the printed circuit board 17. Thereflector 31 is preferably made of heat-resistant plastic. The design ofthe perimeter light 3 is otherwise the same as in the embodiment shownin FIG. 3.

The reflector 31 can also be designed as a heat-dissipating element. Inthis case, it is made of metallic material and is designed such that ithas the shape of the light housing 18. The annular groove 20 is thenlocated on the outside of the reflector 31. A lens is then set into thefree end of such a reflector. In such a design, not only is the heatgenerated by the LED 16 conducted into the support 1′ through thecarrier 17, it is also conducted through the reflector 31 into the ridge5.

Here, too, the heat generated by the LED 16 is rapidly and completelyconducted into the support 1′ through the printed circuit board 17 ofthe perimeter light 3.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which the light housing 18 largelycorresponds to that in FIG. 3. However, the end face 25 of the centralsection 22 of the optical window has a concave curvature as in theembodiment in FIG. 1. The inner side of the optical window 10 isprovided with an optical structure 38 which can be used to achieve adirected guidance of the light emitted by the LED 16. Located a distancebehind the optical window 10 is an optical element 39, which is designedas a Fresnel lens, for example. A lens 40 is accommodated in the housing18 between the optical element 39 and the LED 16. The optical elements38 through 40 can, of course, also be built into the housing in adifferent arrangement. Different combinations of these optical elementscan also be employed to achieve directed guidance of the light.

The optical elements 38 through 40 are provided in the embodiment inFIG. 6 as in the previous example embodiment. In addition, the end face25 of the optical window 10 is provided with an optical structure 41.

In place of the light housing 18, an optical waveguide or a combinationof an optical waveguide and the housing 18 can also be used. Theinstallation depth of the LED 16 can likewise be varied with appropriateadjustment of the mirror mounting bracket in order to change theilluminated area.

Finally, the position of the perimeter light 3 on the mirror mountingbracket 1 can also be changed as desired depending on which area next tothe vehicle and on the ground is to be illuminated.

Of course, additional LEDs, for example arranged next to one another inrows, can also be used in place of the one LED 16 to increase the lightintensity.

In all the embodiments described, there may be built into the exteriorrearview mirror, in particular into the mirror head, lighting means asauxiliary turn signals, transmitters and/or receivers for garage dooropeners and/or for navigation systems, sensors as part of the controlsystem for an EC or LCD glass, antennas for automotive radios, compassesand the like, loudspeakers and the like. Additional components, such astransmitters and/or receivers for garage door openers or for navigationsystems, may also be built into the mirror mounting bracket.

1. Exterior rearview mirror for vehicles, comprising a mirror mountingbracket for attachment to the vehicle, to which bracket is attached afolding mirror head, and having, arranged in the mirror mountingbracket, at least one perimeter light with at least one light source,wherein the light source is arranged on a thermally conductive carrier,which carrier is in thermally conductive connection with the mirrormounting bracket.
 2. Exterior rearview mirror according to claim 1,wherein the carrier contains at least one metallic thermally conductiveelement.
 3. Exterior rearview mirror according to claim 1, wherein thethermally conductive element is plate-like in design.
 4. Amended)Exterior rearview mirror according to claim 2, wherein the thermallyconductive element is arranged embedded in the carrier, which carrier ispreferably composed of a printed circuit board.
 5. Exterior rearviewmirror according to claim 1, wherein the light source forms a modularunit with the carrier.
 6. Exterior rearview mirror according to claim 1,wherein a light housing which accommodates the light source is arrangedon the carrier.
 7. Exterior rearview mirror according to claim 1,wherein the light housing has an optical window.
 8. Exterior rearviewmirror according to claim 1, wherein the light housing is made ofheat-resistant material.
 9. Exterior rearview mirror according to claim1, wherein the light housing and the optical window are embodied as asingle piece.
 10. Exterior rearview mirror, in particular according toclaim 1, wherein, in the assembled position, the light housing ispreloaded with respect to the carrier.
 11. Exterior rearview mirroraccording to claim 1, wherein the light housing rests against the mirrormounting bracket with at least one seal interposed.
 12. Exteriorrearview mirror according to claim 11, wherein the seal is a ring seal.13. Exterior rearview mirror according to claim 11, wherein the seallies in an annular groove.
 14. Exterior rearview mirror according toclaim 1, wherein the light housing is held secure against rotation inthe mirror mounting bracket.
 15. Exterior rearview mirror, in particularaccording to claim 1, wherein the light housing is preloaded withrespect to the carrier by a cover of the mirror mounting bracket. 16.Exterior rearview mirror according to claim 15, wherein the cover issecured on a support of the mirror mounting bracket by means of alocking connection, preferably a snap-in connection.
 17. Exteriorrearview mirror according to claim 15, wherein an additional seal isarranged between the cover and the light housing.
 18. Exterior rearviewmirror according to claim 7, wherein the optical window transitions intothe remaining part of the housing through an outside shoulder. 19.Exterior rearview mirror according to claim 1, wherein the cover engageswith a rim in the outside shoulder of the light housing.
 20. Exteriorrearview mirror according to claim 17, wherein the additional seal islocated in an additional outside shoulder of the light housing. 21.Exterior rearview mirror according to claim 1, wherein the light housingis supported on the inside of the cover.
 22. Exterior rearview mirroraccording to claim 1, wherein the light housing is designed to be solid.23. Exterior rearview mirror according to claim 1, wherein the lighthousing has, on its rear side facing away from the optical window, arecess into which the light source projects when the light housing isassembled.
 24. Exterior rearview mirror according to claim 1, whereinthe light housing is designed in the shape of a dish.
 25. Exteriorrearview mirror according to claim 1, wherein the light housing has amidsection.
 26. Exterior rearview mirror according to claim 25, whereinthe midsection has the recess for accommodating the light source. 27.Exterior rearview mirror according to claim 1, wherein a reflector isplaced in the light housing.
 28. Exterior rearview mirror according toclaim 27, wherein the light source projects into the reflector. 29.Exterior rearview mirror according to claim 27, wherein the reflector isseated on the carrier.
 30. Exterior rearview mirror according to claim27, wherein the reflector is supported on an inner shoulder of the lighthousing.
 31. Exterior rearview mirror according to claim 27, wherein thereflector is made of heat-resistant material, preferably plastic. 32.Exterior rearview mirror according to claim 27, wherein the reflector ismade of heat-dissipating material, preferably metal.
 33. Exteriorrearview mirror according to claim 32, wherein the reflector constitutesa part of the light housing.
 34. Exterior rearview mirror accordingclaim 1, wherein the light housing has at least one, preferablymultiple, optical elements.
 35. Exterior rearview mirror according toclaim 7, wherein the optical window lies in an opening of the mirrormounting bracket, in particular of the cover.
 36. Exterior rearviewmirror according to claim 1, wherein the end face of the optical windowlies essentially in the outer side of the cover.
 37. Exterior rearviewmirror according to claim 1, wherein the support of the mirror mountingbracket has a receptacle for the light housing.
 38. Exterior rearviewmirror according to claim 37, wherein the receptacle is defined byridges of the support.
 39. Exterior rearview mirror according to claim37, wherein the carrier rests with its entire surface against the bottomof the receptacle under pressure applied by the light housing